[ { "id": 889, "name": "Aaron Warner", "title": "CEO", "organization": "ProCircular, Inc.", "company_url": "https://www.procircular.com", "bio": "Aaron Warner is the founder and CEO of ProCircular, an information security and privacy firm serving mid-market organizations in healthcare, higher education, manufacturing, and financial services. Before launching ProCircular in 2016, he spent 22 years as CIO and CTO at Integrated DNA Technologies, where he built and defended technology environments inside one of the world's leading genomics research firms.\r\n\r\nAaron holds CISSP and Security+ certifications and is a full member of the FBI/DHS InfraGard partnership. He earned the 2023 SBA Small Business Person of the Year award and is a recognized voice in cybersecurity through TEDx presentations, media appearances, and industry speaking engagements. His work focuses on helping leadership teams turn complex threats into strategic decisions they will act on.", "location": "Coralville, IA", "headshot": "https://cirasai.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/aaronwarner-300x200.jpg", "discussion_contributor_code": "L", "discussion_contributor_track": "Leadership & Workforce", "discussion_contributor_session_id": 860 }, { "id": 866, "name": "Adam Engel", "title": "Owner / Founder", "organization": "Running Robots", "company_url": "https://runningrobots.com", "bio": "Adam Engel is the Owner of Running Robots Inc., a digital marketing agency of 10 based in Iowa City serving 150+ organizations nationwide. With a background that bridges technology and marketing, Adam has been at the forefront of innovation since publishing a patent for an in-car computing device right out of high school. Running Robots operates at the intersection of Marketing and IT departments, specializing in WordPress and WooCommerce web development.\r\n\r\nAs AI reshapes business operations, Adam and his team are helping organizations move beyond chatbots to deploy AI agents that run real workflows. A returning speaker at the Iowa AI Summit, Adam\u2019s sessions are known for practical, demo-driven content that attendees can put to work immediately.", "location": "Iowa City, IA", "headshot": "https://cirasai.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Adam-Engel-Running-Robots-300x300.jpg", "discussion_contributor_code": "M", "discussion_contributor_track": "Marketing & Sales", "discussion_contributor_session_id": 847 }, { "id": 879, "name": "Aditya Balu", "title": "Data Scientist", "organization": "Iowa State University - Translational AI Center", "company_url": "https://www.trac-ai.iastate.edu", "bio": "Aditya Balu is a Data Scientist at the Translational AI Center (TrAC) at Iowa State University, with over 14 years of experience in AI and machine learning. His research spans scientific machine learning, topology optimization, additive manufacturing, and deep learning for engineering applications, with publications in venues including Nature Computational Science, ICML, and Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence.\r\n\r\nHe also develops and teaches AI/ML micro-credential courses through Iowa State's TrAC , covering topics from natural language processing to scientific machine learning. His work sits at the intersection of AI and manufacturing, bridging academic research with practical industry applications.", "location": "Ames, IA", "headshot": "https://cirasai.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/adityabalu-300x300.jpg", "discussion_contributor_code": "P", "discussion_contributor_track": "Production & Operations", "discussion_contributor_session_id": 853 }, { "id": 864, "name": "Andrew Severin", "title": "Bioinformatics Manager", "organization": "Iowa State University", "company_url": "https://www.bcb.iastate.edu/", "bio": "Andrew Severin directs the Genome Informatics Facility at Iowa State University, where he develops documentation-centered computational workflows that help researchers navigate complex data and analyses.\r\n\r\nWith more than 20 years of experience in genomics and bioinformatics, his recent work focuses on how AI is reshaping the way we learn from and interact with data. In this emerging environment, information systems are no longer passive references\u2014they are becoming active collaborators in research.\r\n\r\nHe is currently developing 100 Days of Bioinformatics, a teaching resource built using AI-assisted development practices to accelerate navigation, restructuring, and content creation. He has also created lightweight tools, including a custom kanban board utility, to support everyday workflow management using AI as a paired programmer.", "location": "Ames, IA", "headshot": "https://cirasai.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/andrewseverin.png", "discussion_contributor_code": "P", "discussion_contributor_track": "Production & Operations", "discussion_contributor_session_id": 853 }, { "id": 884, "name": "Ben McHone", "title": "Staff Engineering Consultant", "organization": "Source Allies", "company_url": "https://www.sourceallies.com", "bio": "Ben McHone is a Staff Engineering Consultant at Source Allies, specializing in deploying agentic AI systems to production. He focuses on metric\u2011driven development and real\u2011world reliability, addressing the question: How do we know we can trust this technology? Ben is a DSPy contributor, LangChain Expert Program member, and Arize / Phoenix Ambassador.", "location": "Urbandale, IA", "headshot": "https://cirasai.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/benmchone.png", "discussion_contributor_code": "P", "discussion_contributor_track": "Production & Operations", "discussion_contributor_session_id": 853 }, { "id": 865, "name": "Bill Schmarzo", "title": "Founder", "organization": "Dean of Big Data, LLC", "company_url": "https://www.deanofbigdata.com/", "bio": "Bill Schmarzo is a data science and AI strategist, keynote speaker, and author of seven books, including his most recent, The AI-Human Edge: Winning with Intelligence Technologies\u2014On the Field and Beyond. Known as the \u201cDean of Big Data,\u201d Bill has over four decades of experience helping organizations harness data, analytics, and AI to drive economic value and competitive advantage. He is an Assistant Professor of Practice at Iowa State University and an AI Research Fellow at Coe College, where he teaches advanced analytics and decision-centric AI frameworks.\r\n\r\nBill is the creator of the Thinking Like a Data Scientist (TLADS) methodology and the Entity Propensity Model (EPM) framework, which focus on accelerating learning and improving decision-making through intelligent systems.\r\n\r\nHis work centers on how AI amplifies human expertise, strengthens judgment, and compounds professional mastery\u2014making him uniquely positioned to explore how organizations can build adaptive, learning-driven advantage in the age of intelligent systems.", "location": "Ames, IA", "headshot": "https://cirasai.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/billschmarzo-300x300.jpg", "discussion_contributor_code": "B", "discussion_contributor_track": "Business Systems & Data", "discussion_contributor_session_id": 839 }, { "id": 871, "name": "Brandon Carlson", "title": "President", "organization": "Lean TECHniques", "company_url": "https://www.leantechniques.com", "bio": "Brandon Carlson is the founder of Lean TECHniques, a technology and management consultancy based in Des Moines specializing in Digital Transformation, IT Modernization, and Software Delivery. Known for replacing ego with empathy and a straightforward, \u201cmeet people where they are\u201d approach, Brandon values curiosity and collaboration over dogma and has been on his learning journey in technology for over 30 years.", "location": "Johnston, IA", "headshot": "https://cirasai.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/brandoncarlson-200x300.jpg", "discussion_contributor_code": "B", "discussion_contributor_track": "Business Systems & Data", "discussion_contributor_session_id": 839 }, { "id": 891, "name": "Celina Peerman", "title": "Organizational Psychologist", "organization": "The Peerman Group", "company_url": "https://www.workplacechameleon.com", "bio": "Dr. Celina Peerman is an organizational psychologist and leading voice on uncertainty in the workplace. Daily, in companies around the State of Iowa and beyond, she helps leaders navigate disruption, rapid change, and evolving workforce expectations with clarity and courage.\r\n\r\nA 2x TEDx speaker and 4x author, Dr. Celina works at the intersection of change management, organizational and community wellbeing, and future-focused leadership. She equips leaders with practical tools to reduce resistance, build trust, and guide teams through complex transitions especially in moments when the path forward isn\u2019t fully clear. Her approach blends research-based insight with real-world application, helping organizations not just survive uncertainty but use it to grow stronger.", "location": "Waverly, IA", "headshot": "https://cirasai.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/celinapeerman-300x200.jpg", "discussion_contributor_code": "L", "discussion_contributor_track": "Leadership & Workforce", "discussion_contributor_session_id": 860 }, { "id": 892, "name": "Curtis Winegar", "title": "Sr Data Analytics Strategist", "organization": "Pella Corporation", "company_url": "https://www.pella.com/", "bio": "Curt Winegar is a Sr. Data Analytics Strategist at Pella Corporation, where he leads the company\u2019s Data & AI Literacy program and helps teams turn analytics and AI into everyday problem solving tools. With more than 25 years of experience using data to solve complex business problems, Curt has been at the center of Pella\u2019s people first AI transformation and Microsoft 365 Copilot rollout. Under his leadership, Pella has achieved over 95% monthly active usage among licensed Copilot users \u2014 placing the company among Microsoft\u2019s top performing organizations for Copilot adoption.\r\n\r\nCurt\u2019s passion is making AI practical, accessible, and human-centered \u2014 equipping people not just to use new tools, but to think differently about how work gets done.", "location": "Pella, IA", "headshot": "https://cirasai.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/curtiswinegar-252x300.jpg", "discussion_contributor_code": "B", "discussion_contributor_track": "Business Systems & Data", "discussion_contributor_session_id": 839 }, { "id": 888, "name": "Dave Machovsky", "title": "CEO/Founder", "organization": "Mindset Innovations", "company_url": "https://www.precisionxs.com", "bio": "Dave Machovsky is the CEO and Founder of Mindset Innovations Consulting and Co-Founder of The PrecisionX System\u2122, where he helps organizations strengthen leadership, elevate performance, and build the human readiness required for successful AI adoption. He is known for combining leadership insight, operational excellence, and real-world execution in a way that cuts through the noise and drives meaningful results. Dave works with organizations that want more than technology implementation. He helps them create alignment, accountability, and lasting transformation in high-stakes environments.\r\n\r\nWith a background spanning manufacturing leadership, frontline operations, coaching, invention, and workforce development, Dave brings a rare perspective to the AI conversation. He served as one of the top leaders within a multi-billion-dollar corporation, where he led in demanding operational environments and built a reputation for turning pressure into performance. He is a Training Within Industry (TWI) certified instructor, an award-winning leadership consultant, and an inventor currently working on his eighth patent.\r\n\r\nDave\u2019s work centers on the belief that AI success or failure is rarely determined by the tool alone. It is determined by leadership, culture, communication, and execution. He helps leaders understand the human-centered domains that make transformation stick, equipping them to lead change with clarity, confidence, and authority. Whether speaking from the stage, working in the boardroom, or coaching on the plant floor, Dave is known for delivering practical insight with energy, credibility, and immediate relevance.", "location": "Waukee, IA", "headshot": "https://cirasai.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/davemachovsky-200x300.jpg", "discussion_contributor_code": "L", "discussion_contributor_track": "Leadership & Workforce", "discussion_contributor_session_id": 860 }, { "id": 1283, "name": "David Cook", "title": "President", "organization": "Iowa State University", "company_url": "https://www.iastate.edu", "bio": "Dr. David Cook, an Ames native and Iowa State alumnus, began his tenure as the 17th president of Iowa State University on March 1, 2026.\r\n\r\nIowa State University is a student-centric, leading research and land-grant university that enrolls more than 31,000 students, secures nearly $550 million in annual external funding, including competitive research grants and contracts, serves more than 1 million Iowans annually through extension and outreach programs in all 99 Iowa counties and contributes more than $6 billion each year to Iowa\u2019s economy.\r\n\r\nWith more than 25 years of leadership experience at research-intensive universities, President Cook has built a strong record in strategic planning, student success, research growth, fundraising, government relations, extension, financial stewardship, shared governance and athletics.\r\n\r\nPresident Cook is passionate about innovation and preparing students to thrive in a rapidly changing world through rigorous academic programs, experiential learning, industry partnerships and entrepreneurial opportunities. Iowa State University is ranked No. 9 in the nation for undergraduate entrepreneurship programs out of 300 public and private universities by the Princeton Review.\r\n\r\nFrom May 2022 to Feb.2026, Dr. Cook served as president of North Dakota State University, leading the institution to stabilize enrollment after years of decline, improve retention rates, and increase the number of graduates. The university also broke records for research expenditures and strengthened its position as an R1 institution.\r\n\r\nPrior to NDSU, Dr. Cook held executive leadership roles at the University of Kansas, including vice chancellor for Public Affairs and Economic Development and vice chancellor of the KU Edwards Campus, serving as a top senior advisor to Chancellor Douglas Girod. He also spent 14 years at the University of Kansas Medical Center, where he earned tenure in the School of Medicine. He conducted his dissertation research at an engineering firm in Shanghai and completed an American Council on Education (ACE) Fellowship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.\r\n\r\nPresident Cook serves on the boards of the Big 12 Conference, America\u2019s Cultivation Corridor, Bankers Trust and the World Food Prize Foundation. He holds bachelor\u2019s degrees in political science and speech communication from Iowa State University and a master\u2019s and Ph.D. in organizational communication from the University of Kansas.", "location": "Ames, IA", "headshot": "https://cirasai.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/davidcook-270x300.jpg", "discussion_contributor_code": "", "discussion_contributor_track": "", "discussion_contributor_session_id": 0 }, { "id": 868, "name": "Dinakar Kesavapillai", "title": "Director, Marketing & Sales Systems", "organization": "LCS", "company_url": "https://www.lcsliving.com", "bio": "Dinakar is the Director of Marketing & Sales Systems at LCS, based in Des Moines. Dinakar has 22 years of experience leading teams on their digital transformation initiatives to design and deliver solutions for internal and external customers, primarily in Customer Experience domain through CRM and Digital platforms.\r\n\r\nHe has deep understanding of Sales, Marketing, Service and Commerce processes and expertise in business transformation. He brings together customer understanding, data and technology to build world-class solutions.\r\n\r\nDinakar holds an MBA with focus in Marketing and a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering.", "location": "Des Moines, IA", "headshot": "https://cirasai.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/dinakarkesavapillai-e1776790581420-221x300.jpg", "discussion_contributor_code": "B", "discussion_contributor_track": "Business Systems & Data", "discussion_contributor_session_id": 839 }, { "id": 878, "name": "Dominique Hain", "title": "Technology Consultant", "organization": "Rockwell Automation", "company_url": "https://www.rockwellautomation.com", "bio": "Dominique Hain is a Technology Consultant at Rockwell Automation specializing in applied AI for industrial automation. A home-grown ISU graduate, she helps manufacturers adopt practical, scalable AI solutions that enhance design, production, and operational performance.", "location": "Des Moines, IA", "headshot": "https://cirasai.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/dominiquehain-200x300.jpg", "discussion_contributor_code": "P", "discussion_contributor_track": "Production & Operations", "discussion_contributor_session_id": 853 }, { "id": 890, "name": "Doug Jacobson", "title": "Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering", "organization": "Iowa State University", "company_url": "https://www.ece.iastate.edu", "bio": "Doug Jacobson is Director of the Iowa State University Center for Cybersecurity Innovation and Outreach and an Electrical and Computer Engineering Professor. He has worked in cybersecurity since the early 1990s, helping build one of the nation\u2019s longest-running university programs. He directs Iowa\u2019s Cyber Resilience Initiative, which delivers services and training to 1,400+ political subdivisions statewide.", "location": "Ames, IA", "headshot": "https://cirasai.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/dougjacobson.jpg", "discussion_contributor_code": "L", "discussion_contributor_track": "Leadership & Workforce", "discussion_contributor_session_id": 860 }, { "id": 897, "name": "Edgardo Ortiz", "title": "CEO", "organization": "CMIT Solutions", "company_url": "https://www.cmitsolutions.com", "bio": "Edgar Ortiz is a cybersecurity and AI governance leader and Managing Partner at CMIT Solutions of Des Moines and Overland Park. He works with small and mid-sized businesses to secure IT systems, implement safe AI adoption, and reduce operational and regulatory risk.\r\n\r\nEdgar specializes in translating complex cybersecurity and AI concepts into practical strategies business leaders can actually execute. His work focuses on human-in-the-loop AI, risk management, and responsible automation for real-world business environments.", "location": "Johnston, IA", "headshot": "https://cirasai.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/edgardoortiz-e1776790797853-209x300.jpg", "discussion_contributor_code": "P", "discussion_contributor_track": "Production & Operations", "discussion_contributor_session_id": 853 }, { "id": 893, "name": "Hamad Dada", "title": "CEO and Lead R&D", "organization": "SoundSafe.ai", "company_url": "https://www.soundsafe.ai", "bio": "Hamad Dada is an AI and cybersecurity expert focused on applying multimodal AI in real-world industrial environments. As CEO and Lead R&D at SoundSafe.ai, he bridges advanced technical architecture with practical deployment, helping organizations transform shop-floor data into actionable intelligence.\r\n\r\nOriginally trained in cybersecurity and the physics of sound, Hamad specializes in audio, video, and sensor-fusion systems designed for high-stakes operational settings where reliability and human oversight are critical. He architected SoundSafe.ai\u2019s core delivery pipeline, translating complex R&D into scalable, mission-ready solutions.\r\n\r\nDrawing on experience overseeing large-scale logistics operations, Hamad approaches AI as operational infrastructure\u2014not experimentation\u2014working directly with industry partners to ensure AI systems remain trusted, verifiable, and practical.", "location": "Galena, IL", "headshot": "https://cirasai.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/hamaddada-300x300.jpeg", "discussion_contributor_code": "B", "discussion_contributor_track": "Business Systems & Data", "discussion_contributor_session_id": 839 }, { "id": 870, "name": "Hans Koehnk", "title": "Director", "organization": "ARKO Laboratories", "company_url": "https://www.arkolabs.com", "bio": "Dr. Hans Koehnk is an industry innovator, practicing veterinarian, and the inventor of several proprietary technologies. With over a 25-year career in animal health, he serves as a co-owner and Director of Vaccine R&D at ARKO Laboratories, Managing Partner for Mosaix Animal Health, and CEO of Vicinius Bio.\r\n\r\nDr. Koehnk combines his deep executive leadership with a passion for technological advancement, specifically focusing on how AI and business systems can be leveraged to streamline development and operations.", "location": "Jewell, IA", "headshot": "https://cirasai.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/hanskoehnk.jpg", "discussion_contributor_code": "B", "discussion_contributor_track": "Business Systems & Data", "discussion_contributor_session_id": 839 }, { "id": 863, "name": "Jacey Heuer", "title": "Head of AI & Data Science", "organization": "Pella Corporation", "company_url": "https://www.pella.com/", "bio": "Jacey leads AI, Data Science and Advanced Analytics for Pella Corporation. Pella Corporation, based in the U.S, is one of North America\u2019s largest manufacturers of premium windows and doors.\r\n\r\nJacey is a storyteller who bridges the gap between the possible and the practical, fostering organizations to a future enabled by AI.\r\n\r\nJacey holds master\u2019s degrees from Iowa State University in business and data science. He carries strong AI & Advanced Analytics experience across many industries including manufacturing, e-commerce, energy, financial services and real estate.", "location": "Pella, IA", "headshot": "https://cirasai.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/jaceyheuer-300x200.jpg", "discussion_contributor_code": "L", "discussion_contributor_track": "Leadership & Workforce", "discussion_contributor_session_id": 860 }, { "id": 894, "name": "Jon Eads", "title": "Innovation Program Director", "organization": "Grain Processing Corporation, a subsidiary of Kent Worldwide", "company_url": "https://www.grainprocessing.com", "bio": "Jon Eads, PhD is the Innovation Program Director for Grain Processing Corporation, a subsidiary of Kent Worldwide, where he works to identify, develop, and scale emerging technologies across food, feed, and industrial applications.\r\n\r\nHe holds a PhD from Purdue University in Computational Science, bringing a strong analytical and systems-level perspective to innovation and product development. Jon is passionate about translating novel and often complex technologies into practical, commercially viable solutions that deliver real-world value. His work sits at the intersection of science, engineering, and business, with a focus on bridging early-stage research, applied development, and market needs.\r\n\r\nKnown for his structured approach and curiosity-driven mindset, Jon collaborates closely with internal teams, academic partners, and external innovators to accelerate learning, reduce risk, and drive impactful outcomes. His career reflects a commitment to continuous improvement, disciplined experimentation, and turning bold ideas into scalable realities.", "location": "Muscatine, IA", "headshot": "https://cirasai.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/joneads-300x200.jpg", "discussion_contributor_code": "L", "discussion_contributor_track": "Leadership & Workforce", "discussion_contributor_session_id": 860 }, { "id": 881, "name": "Justin Claycomb", "title": "Assistant Director Data Science", "organization": "Principal", "company_url": "https://www.principal.com", "bio": "Justin Claycomb serves as the Assistant Director of Data Science at Principal, where he specializes in operationalizing AI and scaling analytics solutions across the enterprise. Over the past decade, he has led the development and deployment of high-impact models that drive measurable business outcomes.\r\n\r\nJustin holds master\u2019s degrees in Analytics, Business Administration, and Social Sciences, and is currently pursuing his doctorate, further deepening his interdisciplinary expertise. He is driven by a commitment to turning complex data into clear, actionable insights and fostering a culture of data-informed decision-making.", "location": "Des Moines, IA", "headshot": "https://cirasai.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/justinclaycomb-300x224.jpg", "discussion_contributor_code": "P", "discussion_contributor_track": "Production & Operations", "discussion_contributor_session_id": 853 }, { "id": 887, "name": "Kacy Webster", "title": "CEO/Founder", "organization": "Profit Quiver", "company_url": "https://www.precisionxs.com", "bio": "Kacy Webster, CEO of Profit Quiver, is a Business Transformation Strategist and Certified AI Consultant who helps leaders aim precisely at what matters most\u2014people first, technology second.\r\n\r\nWith 25+ years of executive leadership experience, including roles as a University Market President, Lead Business Strategist and Senior Director of Market Strategy, Kacy has guided organizations through complex change across education, workforce development, and enterprise transformation. She has a trusted, proven framework\u2014the 12 Domains of Human-First AI Adoption.\r\n\r\nKacy\u2019s superpower is demystifying innovation and making it actionable helping leaders AIM with intelligence to hit their targets. The AI Era demands a new arsenal of arrows to be competitive! She cuts through the noise of emerging technology to focus on what drives real profitability and relevance\u2014starting with leadership, culture, and alignment.\r\n\r\nWhether on stage or in the boardroom, Kacy delivers insight with authority, warmth, and real-world relevance, equipping leaders with a roadmap they can trust.", "location": "Minburn, IA", "headshot": "https://cirasai.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/kacywebster-235x300.jpg", "discussion_contributor_code": "L", "discussion_contributor_track": "Leadership & Workforce", "discussion_contributor_session_id": 860 }, { "id": 869, "name": "Levi Sperry", "title": "Senior Data Analyst", "organization": "LCS", "company_url": "https://www.lcsliving.com", "bio": "Levi Sperry is a Senior Data Analyst at Life Care Services, where he designs and deploys enterprise analytics solutions supporting more than 120 senior living communities. His work spans statistical modeling, time series forecasting, impact analysis, and anomaly detection, along with building scalable data infrastructure in Databricks and Snowflake.\r\n\r\nLevi has led initiatives integrating large language models and NLP into operational workflows, including extracting structured insights from unstructured CRM data and developing embedding-based matching systems. He partners with stakeholders across business and technology teams to translate complex data into actionable strategy.\r\n\r\nPrior to LCS, Levi worked in healthcare finance and analytics, supporting multi-site clinical operations and system transitions. He holds MBA and MHA degrees from the University of Missouri.", "location": "Des Moines, IA", "headshot": "https://cirasai.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/levisperry-e1776790606302-207x300.png", "discussion_contributor_code": "B", "discussion_contributor_track": "Business Systems & Data", "discussion_contributor_session_id": 839 }, { "id": 883, "name": "Matt Vincent", "title": "Founder", "organization": "Source Allies", "company_url": "https://www.sourceallies.com", "bio": "Matt Vincent founded Source Allies, an Iowa\u2011headquartered consultancy specializing in Data & AI with multiple GenAI systems in production delivering measurable ROI. He works with organizations to move generative AI from pilot to product.", "location": "Urbandale, IA", "headshot": "https://cirasai.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/mattvincent.png", "discussion_contributor_code": "P", "discussion_contributor_track": "Production & Operations", "discussion_contributor_session_id": 853 }, { "id": 867, "name": "Meegan Campbell", "title": "Digital Marketing Account Manager", "organization": "Running Robots", "company_url": "https://www.therunningrobots.com", "bio": "Meegan Campbell is a Digital Marketing Account Manager at Running Robots, an Iowa City-based digital marketing agency, where she manages client campaigns and strategies across PPC, SEO, Content, and Social Media. Supporting agency owner Adam Engel, Meegan brings a hands-on implementation perspective \u2014 using AI daily to deliver results for clients.\r\n\r\nWith a background in operations management, client services leadership, and CRM system implementations, Meegan brings over a decade of process-building experience to her current role. At Running Robots, she\u2019s integrated AI tools into her core workflows, building contextual memory systems that keep outputs aligned with each client\u2019s brand voice while reducing resource overhead. By automating repeatable processes, she\u2019s cut task completion times by up to 85% and tightened information capture across accounts. Her work demonstrates what\u2019s possible when AI is layered onto well-designed processes \u2014 not bolted onto broken ones.", "location": "Iowa City, IA", "headshot": "https://cirasai.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Meegan-Campbell-Running-Robots-300x300.jpg", "discussion_contributor_code": "M", "discussion_contributor_track": "Marketing & Sales", "discussion_contributor_session_id": 847 }, { "id": 875, "name": "Mehul Bhuva", "title": "Senior Software Engineer (Data & AI)", "organization": "QCI", "company_url": "https://www.qci.com", "bio": "I\u2019m an Data & AI Platform Engineer with 22+ years of experience building and modernizing enterprise solutions using Databricks, Azure AI Foundry, .NET Core, Azure Functions, Azure Data Factory, Blazor, Angular and SharePoint. My work spans metadata driven ETL frameworks, cloud modernization initiatives, and production grade AI systems that deliver real business value at scale.\r\n\r\nI\u2019m the creator of SharePointFix.com, a technical blog with 1M+ views, and I run the SharePointFix Facebook community with 1,000+ members. My community contributions include technical publications on SQL Server Central, Kobai, and multiple peer reviewed journals, along with conference speaking and mentoring 50+ developers across Azure, AI, and .NET technologies.\r\n\r\nI was nominated to be a Microsoft Azure Developer Influencer (MADI) by Microsoft, recognizing my leadership and impact in driving Azure and AI adoption within the developer community.\r\n\r\nI\u2019m passionate about sharing real world AI practices, collaborating with industry leaders, and helping teams accelerate digital transformation through modern data and AI platforms.", "location": "West Des Moines, IA", "headshot": "https://cirasai.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/mehulbhuva-300x300.png", "discussion_contributor_code": "L", "discussion_contributor_track": "Leadership & Workforce", "discussion_contributor_session_id": 860 }, { "id": 880, "name": "Melissa Hollis", "title": "Director Data & Analytics", "organization": "Principal", "company_url": "https://www.principal.com/", "bio": "Melissa Hollis is the Director of Data Analytics at Principal Financial Group, where she leads the Applied AI and Analytics teams within the corporate division. Her work focuses on driving strategic initiatives, delivering insights across business units, and supporting enterprise-wide AI efforts.\r\n\r\nMelissa began her career as an actuary and transitioned into analytics eight years ago. She is passionate about continuous learning and applying emerging technologies to create meaningful, analytics-driven solutions.\r\n\r\nShe holds degrees in actuarial science, has completed law school, and earned a master\u2019s in data science, bringing a unique interdisciplinary perspective to her work.", "location": "Des Moines, IA", "headshot": "https://cirasai.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/melissahollis-e1776790638291-248x300.jpg", "discussion_contributor_code": "P", "discussion_contributor_track": "Production & Operations", "discussion_contributor_session_id": 853 }, { "id": 876, "name": "Neal Rabogliatti", "title": "President", "organization": "Digital Marketing Strategies", "company_url": "https://www.mfgpa.org", "bio": "Neal Rabogliatti has been working in the online optimization and strategy market since 1997. His experience covers the beginnings and evolution of SEO and has helped over 500 companies improve their online visibility through consulting, training and lecturing including Barron Equipment, SAE International, Erie Insurance, and PPG Industries.", "location": "Pittsburgh, PA", "headshot": "https://cirasai.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/nealrabogliatti-259x300.jpg", "discussion_contributor_code": "M", "discussion_contributor_track": "Marketing & Sales", "discussion_contributor_session_id": 847 }, { "id": 872, "name": "Neeraj Singh", "title": "Sales Development Manager", "organization": "Danfoss Power Solutions", "company_url": "https://www.danfoss.com", "bio": "Neeraj Singh, sales development manager for Danfoss Power Solutions, is a global industrial technology leader with 18+ years across hydraulics, mobile machinery, automotive, and agriculture. He specializes in commercial strategy, OEM partnerships, and AI\u2011driven value selling.\r\n\r\nKnown for advancing digital transformation, pricing excellence, and data\u2011led decision\u2011making, he has delivered sustained revenue growth across India, North America, China, and Europe. With an MBA and engineering degree, Neeraj blends deep technical expertise with strong commercial acumen, helping operationalize AI to improve sales productivity, win rates, and pricing consistency.", "location": "Ames, IA", "headshot": "https://cirasai.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/neerajsingh.jpg", "discussion_contributor_code": "B", "discussion_contributor_track": "Business Systems & Data", "discussion_contributor_session_id": 839 }, { "id": 885, "name": "Nick Nystrom", "title": "Experience Lead", "organization": "Wellmark Blue Cross & Blue Shield", "company_url": "https://www.wellmark.com", "bio": "Nick Nystrom is an Experience Lead focused on designing and delivering enterprise scale digital experiences that help members navigate complex healthcare journeys. His work sits at the intersection of human centered design, product strategy, and emerging technology, with a particular focus on how AI can reduce friction and improve clarity for customers. Nick has led cross functional teams across design, research, analytics, and engineering to translate complex systems into intuitive, accessible experiences.", "location": "Des Moines, IA", "headshot": "https://cirasai.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/nicknystrom-e1776790659199-213x300.jpeg", "discussion_contributor_code": "P", "discussion_contributor_track": "Production & Operations", "discussion_contributor_session_id": 853 }, { "id": 896, "name": "Patrick Johanns", "title": "Associate Professor of Instruction, Provost AI Fellow", "organization": "University of Iowa Tippie College of Business", "company_url": "https://www.tippie.uiowa.edu/", "bio": "Dr. Patrick Johanns is Associate Professor of Instruction and Former Director of the Online Master of Science in Business Analytics at the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business. He is the author of AI in Business: Creating Value Using Artificial Intelligence, a college-level textbook that helps future managers implement AI strategically and responsibly.\r\n\r\nDr. Johanns specializes in translating complex artificial intelligence concepts into practical frameworks for organizational leadership. His work emphasizes AI governance, workforce readiness, and disciplined implementation, helping organizations move beyond experimentation to scalable enterprise capability. He teaches AI and analytics to undergraduate, MBA, and executive audiences and has delivered workshops internationally on AI adoption.\r\n\r\nHe is collaborating on international research examining the use of artificial intelligence in entrepreneurship education in Kenya and the USA, exploring how AI can support innovation, workforce development, and economic growth in emerging markets.", "location": "Iowa City, IA", "headshot": "https://cirasai.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/patrickjohanns-e1776790780152-300x240.jpg", "discussion_contributor_code": "L", "discussion_contributor_track": "Leadership & Workforce", "discussion_contributor_session_id": 860 }, { "id": 898, "name": "Paul Gormley", "title": "Growth Project Manager", "organization": "CIRAS, Iowa State University", "company_url": "https://www.ciras.iastate.edu/", "bio": "Paul Gormley is a Project Manager at Iowa State University\u2019s Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS), where he has spent more than 25 years helping Iowa companies drive innovation, strengthen market position, and accelerate growth.\r\n\r\nWith a background in electrical engineering and an MBA from Iowa State University, Paul began his career designing and selling energy management systems for commercial and government facilities, and later contributed to product development at Winnebago Industries.\r\n\r\nAt CIRAS, he has worked with hundreds of manufacturers and businesses across the state. His current focus is on helping organizations understand and apply artificial intelligence in practical, results-driven ways. He leads AI strategy engagements, delivers executive briefings and hands-on workshops, and works directly with companies to define, prioritize, and implement AI initiatives.\r\n\r\nPaul also helps connect businesses with specialized technical and domain experts to accelerate execution and reduce risk.\r\n\r\nIn addition to his client work, Paul plays a leadership role in advancing AI adoption across Iowa. He coordinates a statewide workforce AI training collaboration involving CIRAS, Iowa State University\u2019s TrAC, the University of Iowa\u2019s IIAI, and a growing network of community colleges.\r\n\r\nHe serves as Director of the Iowa Artificial Intelligence Summit for Industry, where he brings together business leaders, practitioners, and technology experts to explore practical applications of AI and translate emerging capabilities into real-world impact.", "location": "Ames, IA", "headshot": "https://cirasai.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/paulgormley-e1776790691806-210x300.jpg", "discussion_contributor_code": "", "discussion_contributor_track": "", "discussion_contributor_session_id": 0 }, { "id": 874, "name": "Rachel Holmes", "title": "AI Strategist", "organization": "Zirous", "company_url": "https://www.zirous.com/", "bio": "Rachel Holmes is an AI Strategist at Zirous, guiding organizations in applying AI to deliver practical, business-aligned outcomes. She advises clients, champions enablement, and leads cross-functional workshops.\r\n\r\nA frequent speaker on generative AI, Rachel recently earned a Master\u2019s in Professional Communication from Iowa State University, where she built custom AI chatbots to streamline collaboration. She brings a decade of B2B communications and strategy experience to connect business goals with technical delivery.", "location": "West Des Moines, IA", "headshot": "https://cirasai.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/rachelholmes-300x300.png", "discussion_contributor_code": "M", "discussion_contributor_track": "Marketing & Sales", "discussion_contributor_session_id": 847 }, { "id": 1272, "name": "Robert W. Ivester", "title": "Senior Advisor on Advanced Manufacturing", "organization": "National Institute of Standards and Technology", "company_url": "https://www.nist.gov", "bio": "Robert W. Ivester, PhD currently serves as the senior advisor on advanced manufacturing at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Previously, Ivester served as the Deputy Director of the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program. The MEP National Network focuses its expertise and knowledge as well as that of its partners \u2014 industry, educational institutions, state governments, NIST and other federal research laboratories and agencies \u2014 on providing U.S. manufacturers with information and tools they need to improve productivity, assure consistent quality, accelerate the transfer of manufacturing technology and infuse innovation into production processes and new products.\r\n\r\nIvester served at the Department of Energy for seven years, most recently as director of the Federal Energy Management Program in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. FEMP oversees the implementation of policy and actions that result in energy efficiency implementation, renewable energy adoption, and reduction in energy and water use in federal government operations. He also served in the Advanced Manufacturing Office for six years. During that time, AMO launched five Manufacturing USA Institutes, the Critical Materials Hub, and hundreds of small R&D and technical assistance projects across the nation. Ivester also worked at NIST for over 16 years, leading and performing research in advanced manufacturing.\r\n\r\nHe has been an instructor for the Johns Hopkins University Engineering for Professionals program for graduate-level studies in manufacturing engineering since 2001. Ivester is a fellow of SME and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.\r\n\r\nHe received his doctorate in engineering, master's degree in manufacturing engineering and a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.", "location": "Gaithersburg, Maryland", "headshot": "https://cirasai.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/robertivester-200x300.jpg", "discussion_contributor_code": "", "discussion_contributor_track": "", "discussion_contributor_session_id": 0 }, { "id": 895, "name": "Shawn FitzGerald", "title": "Founder", "organization": "Level Up Media Interactive", "company_url": "https://www.readytolevelup.com", "bio": "Shawn FitzGerald works at the intersection of storytelling, strategy, and emerging technology. As both communicator and business problem solver, he helps organizations identifying and eliminating communication drift. As new tools expand how ideas can be explored and refined, Shawn focuses on integrating AI in ways that elevate human creativity and protect brand integrity. His work reduces friction in complex communication systems, freeing teams to focus on insight, craft, and alignment.\r\n\r\nDrawing from experience in media production and leadership, he equips organizations to use AI not as a replacement for skilled communicators, but as a force multiplier for thoughtful ones.", "location": "Dallas Center, IA", "headshot": "https://cirasai.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/shawnfitzgerald-226x300.png", "discussion_contributor_code": "M", "discussion_contributor_track": "Marketing & Sales", "discussion_contributor_session_id": 847 }, { "id": 873, "name": "Tara Allen", "title": "Founder, Professor of Marketing", "organization": "Eagle Eye Vision Consulting, LLC & Kirkwood Community College", "company_url": "https://www.eagleeyevisionconsulting.com/", "bio": "Tara Louisa Allen is a marketing educator, consultant, and program leader specializing in practical, human-centered applications of artificial intelligence for business. She serves as Director of the Marketing Management Program at Kirkwood Community College, where she leads curriculum development, industry partnerships, and experiential learning focused on real-world problem solving.\r\n\r\nThrough her consulting work and workshops, including AI-focused programs for small businesses and professionals, Tara helps leaders use AI to gain customer clarity, strengthen messaging, and make more confident marketing and sales decisions without requiring technical expertise. Known for translating complex concepts into clear, actionable frameworks, she focuses on responsible, strategic AI adoption that enhances human insight rather than replacing it.\r\n\r\nHer work bridges education, industry, and innovation, empowering teams to move from AI overwhelm to focused, effective execution.", "location": "Cedar Rapids, IA", "headshot": "https://cirasai.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/taraallen-246x300.jpg", "discussion_contributor_code": "M", "discussion_contributor_track": "Marketing & Sales", "discussion_contributor_session_id": 847 }, { "id": 877, "name": "Travis Arndorfer", "title": "Creative and Strategy Director", "organization": "Arndorfer Creative", "company_url": "", "bio": "Travis Arndorfer is a Creative Director with 20 years leading strategy and creative for brands ranging from global powerhouses to mighty regional players across manufacturing, health care, construction, automotive, home and lifestyle, and beyond. He has founded and led an agency AI lab, developing frameworks that integrate artificial intelligence into marketing workflows without sacrificing strategic thinking or creative craft.\r\n\r\nHis work sits at the intersection of strategy, creative and AI capability \u2014 focused on using these tools to elevate work quality rather than inflate output. He\u2019s built custom AI systems for marketing teams, developed training programs and created methodologies that treat AI as a strategic partner, not a content vending machine.", "location": "Des Moines, IA", "headshot": "https://cirasai.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/travisarndorfer-300x300.jpg", "discussion_contributor_code": "M", "discussion_contributor_track": "Marketing & Sales", "discussion_contributor_session_id": 847 }, { "id": 886, "name": "Vijay Kalivarapu", "title": "Senior AI Engineer", "organization": "Pella Corporation", "company_url": "https://www.pella.com", "bio": "Vijay Kalivarapu has a Ph.D. majoring in Mechanical Engineering and co-majoring in Human-Computer Interaction from Iowa State University. He is currently a Senior Artificial Intelligence Engineer at Pella Corporation, based in Pella, Iowa, where he applies computer vision and machine learning to manufacturing quality and measurement challenges.\r\n\r\nHis work focuses on vision\u2011based image quality assessment, wrong and missing attribute detection, and dimensional measurements in production environments. Vijay has led multiple industrial Vision AI initiatives that emphasize scalable deployment, measurable accuracy, and business impact.\r\n\r\nIn this session, he shares results, lessons learned, and practical insights from applying Vision AI to real manufacturing problems that highlight where these approaches deliver value and where limitations remain.", "location": "Pella, IA", "headshot": "https://cirasai.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/vijaykalivarapu-224x300.jpg", "discussion_contributor_code": "P", "discussion_contributor_track": "Production & Operations", "discussion_contributor_session_id": 853 }, { "id": 882, "name": "Zach Dygert", "title": "Senior Data Scientist", "organization": "Principal", "company_url": "https://www.principal.com/", "bio": "Zachary Dygert is a Senior Data Scientist at Principal, where he leads a team devoted to designing, building, and operationalizing solutions that drive measurable business value.\r\n\r\nFrom traditional machine learning to classic NLP to small language models and enterprise LLM solutions, Zach has been transforming real world inputs into usable, reliable AI systems.\r\n\r\nHe is passionate about advancing analytics maturity and creating solutions that are both impactful and sustainable. Zach is a Drake University graduate.", "location": "Des Moines, IA", "headshot": "https://cirasai.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/zachdygert-300x300.jpg", "discussion_contributor_code": "P", "discussion_contributor_track": "Production & Operations", "discussion_contributor_session_id": 853 } ]